THE CROWNING OF THE BETTER PEACH

 I had no idea - Alabama's number one fruit production is 5,700 tons (yes, tons) of the delicious peaches annually.  Chilton County grows 65% of those peaches.  As I travel south on the interstate 65, towards Montgomery, I cannot help to notice a huge peach in the skies.  The popularity of the county began in 1947.  That year they had a bumper crop.  So, to bring optimism to the local folk the first Annual Peach Festival began.  ​

A couple of miles south, I spot another large peach in Peach Park.  It is next to huge farmers market owned by the founding family since 1984.  On more than 6 acres sits a variety of gift stores, a bakery, a restaurant and even an RV park. Yes, also dozens of peach flavored products from jams to salsa.

As I enter the open-air market, I find myself surrounded by dozens of peachy photos and young smiling faces.  For 70 years this peachy community proudly continues with the proud tradition crowning Miss Peach Queen.  One of the owners, Robin Gray, greets me and begins sharing various, some hilarious, local stories of this competition. As Robin continues entertaining me with stories, she leads me to the ice cream shop.

Robin proudly states, "We are probably most known for our homemade ice cream".   The original founder, Frances Gray, still uses her secret sugary recipe creating various delicious flavors of ice cream.  Robin tells me one of the best flavors is cantaloupe ice cream.  Today they seem to have run out of that particular flavor.  The young teen at the counter recommends the pecan caramel ice cream.  As I dip my spoon into it,  I notice the ice cream is thick, gooey and super creamy.  My taste buds jump alive at the incredible flavor and texture., I do declare this to be the best ice cream I have ever experienced in my life.  A stop at Peach Park is absolutely recommended!  In conclusion, a very peachy day today.